Locks down

ABSTRACT

My invention the Locks Down is a head covering consisting of: a hooded portion that sits on top of the wearers head, a back portion containing a pocket/passageway for the hair/braids to pass through, middle and bottom straps positioned on the back portion of the invention to hold the hair/braids in place. The method of application of this invention is as such: the wearer puts their hand through the passageway grabbing their hair and pulling it through the passageway. Then the hooded portion is pulled towards the top of the wearers head and positioned on top of head. Next the straps on the hooded portion are tied behind the wearers head securing the invention in place. Then the middle and bottom straps are snapped beneath the pocketed portion of the invention, between the back of the wearers neck and the invention keeping the hair/braids secure. The invention can be made from many different materials, such as cotton, leather, terry cloth and water resistant fabrics. These are just examples of materials that can be used, and this invention is not limited to these materials. With the many different materials used for this invention, come different uses for the invention. When terry cloth is used to make this invention, it can be used for drying hair. When leather is used it can be used as an extra secure way to hold hair in place while riding a motorcycle. When water resistant material is used with this invention it can be used to prevent hair from getting wet while showering or in rainy weather. These are examples of different uses, but the invention is not limited to theses examples.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/832,270 filed Jul. 21, 2006 and Document disclosure no. 603701 filed Jul. 19, 2006 both filed by the above named inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a head covering accessory product and the method of it's application. The head covering covers the top, sides and back of the head. Straps or ties on opposing sides of the head covering are tied behind the head by the nap of the wearers neck, to fix the covering on the head. The inside of the covering includes a pocket or passageway that can contain or pass the hair through the head covering. The head covering is made from seven pieces of cloth.

The method of applying this head covering is unique, as no other head covering is designed in a way that this method had been used. The head covering has an opening in the bottom that you can slip your hand into, grabbing the hair and pulling it through the head coverings passage way, making the process of using this head covering simple and in the process, keeping the hair style from being disturbed.

1. Prior Art

There are many head coverings on the market today, the most popular being the du-rag. While this head covering is widely used, the du-rag is not designed to hold long hair in place, rather to lay over the hair. After an extensive patent search we have found the following patents to be relative to the Locks Down disclosure. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,096,510, 6,738,986, 6,735,783, 5,878,756, D135,323, and D482,843.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,510 to Yeadon (2004) teaches a head covering that has a three sectioned hemispheric crown. The sections of the crown include a headband 6, securing ties 7, and a center section 3, that includes a flap extending over the neck 2. The flap extending over the neck 2 is an extension or pouch 8 from the back of the head down the neck. The pouch 8 receives the long hair of the wearer. An elastic opening 10 secures the inner wall around the hair. See FIGS. 1-3.

While this patent is relative in it's appearance in some ways, the head covering claims a pouch to contain or encase the hair. Application of this head covering is shown in FIG. 3 as stuffing the hair into the said pocket from the opening in the top of the pocket. Although the head covering covers the top, sides and back of the head, this head covering does not allow the hair to flow through the bottom giving a look of neatness and allowing the hair to be seen. Thus, my invention, gives the luxury of having the head covered, the long hair held in place, while being able to see the hair flowing from the bottom. The snaps give the option of closing the bottom if wearer so chooses or remaining open so hair can flow through.

Thus, giving the wearer the opportunity to show off their hair, while keeping it in place in a fashion conscious manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,738,986 to Martin (2004) teaches a head covering made from a single piece of material. A central top seam forms a hemispheric cap portion and a fold 36 and the securing of the edges 34 and 32 form a pouch portion. Tie members 38 and 40 are linear vertical strips of material that are integrally connected to and extend downward from the bottom front of the cap portion. Tie members 38 and 40 also have an inner edge formed from cut outs 55 (see col. 3, lines 40-51)

This head covering claims a tail compartment where there is a closure to store things in, it also claims that hair could be tucked into this compartment. Thus, showing that our method of application could not be used on this head covering. Also, this head covering is used mainly while swimming, our invention is used as a stylish fashion hair accessory.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,756 to Bilodeau (1999) teaches a cap with a hollow hemispherical configuration. The lower peripheral edge has a thin rectangular band 16 mounted thereon. Band 16 has a pair of free ends 18 that extend from a rear extent of the cap, selectively tie and secure the cap to the head of the user. A hair sleeve 20 is an elongated strip 22 of flexible cloth that is connected to the cap. Hair sleeve 20 has four equally spaced pairs of rectangular tabs 24 that extend perpendicularly from the longitudinal side edges of the hair sleeve 20. Tubular sleeve 26 can thus receive and pass through the hair of the wearer.

This head covering has a sleeve that ties around the long hair of the wearer, thus showing that our method of application could not be used on this invention.

U.S. Pat. No. D482,843 to Burnett (2003) shows triangular shaped head covering that is folded to define ties that can connect in the front or back of the head. A pouch is also shown that receives, or as claimed retains the wearer's hair.

This head covering patent claims the ornamental design for a scarf and headwear with pocket for retaining hair. My method of application could be used in conjunction with this patent. There are no claims to how this product is applied and the structural make up of this head covering differs from my invention in many ways.

2. Objects and Advantages

I came up with the idea for my invention titled “Locks Down” at a time when I had long braids and could not find a product that held my hair in place. I had to use a combination of products that left impressions on my forehead, and either ripped out hair or got tangled in my braids. The combination of products I used to keep my hair in place had two main disadvantages, being that applying them was time consuming and removing them was difficult.

I figured I could design a product myself. Providing the following:

-   -   A to be put on and removed easily.     -   B to be lightweight and comfortable.     -   C to be stylish.     -   D to secure hair without tangling or disrupting the look of the         braids once the product is removed.

Further objects and advantages are to provide a head covering which can be used easily. The method of applying this product has been formulated to ensure that the simplest process of using this product is utilized. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

The method of applying this product, my invention, is as follows:

-   Step one: Put your hand through the bottom opening of the     pocket/passageway No. 7 of the Locks Down with the hood/cap No.1     No.2 facing up. -   Step two: With that hand grab the hair/braids and pull them through     the pocket/passageway No.7 of the product. The pocket/passageway     No.7 will now be surrounding the hair/braids of the wearer. -   Step three: Position the hooded/cap No. 1 No.2 portion of the     product on the top of your head and tie the top straps No. 3 No. 4     behind the nap of your neck. Then take the middle No. 10 No. 11 and     bottom No. 12 No. 13 straps and snap them around the back bottom No.     5 No 6 portion of the product that is now surrounding the     hair/braids. Adjust straps to your comfort level.

SUMMARY

I have invented a head covering. In conjunction with that invention, I have discovered a method of applying said head covering to the wearers head. This method not only makes it a simple process to put this head covering on the wearers head, but also provides a method that leaves the hair undisturbed. This method will keep the hair in the same condition as it was before this head covering is applied. The head covering itself in turn keeps the hair in place, while keeping other elements out of the wearers hair. Once the head covering is removed, the wearer finds that their hair is still in the same condition it was before head covering was applied.

My invention has many uses. Any suitable fabric can be used to make this product. With the different fabrics come different uses. I have used terry cloth fabric to make this product. The terry cloth fabric allows the wearer to use this head covering after washing their hair or after swimming, providing a new method of drying hair. As many people use a towel to wrap around their head this product can do away with the old fashioned way of drying hair. Just put this head covering on and the terry cloth does the job. The terry cloth is also good to use after a hair treatment or conditioning. I have used leather to make this head covering, this style of my invention provides an extra secure head covering that can be worn under a motorcycle helmet, keeping the riders hair contained and out of their way. In the leather style I have added buckles and loop fasteners to the bottom and middle straps ensuring an extra level of securing this head covering onto the wearers head. This product can be made in different lengths and sizes, accommodating the wearers individual needs as there are many different hair styles and lengths. Also a smaller pattern can be used for children. A pattern can also be made with only one set of bottom straps making this product shorter to show off the wearers hair more.

My invention also provides a new fashion style, as many different prints and fabrics can be used making this a product that can compliment any wardrobe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

My invention, Locks Down, is a one piece fabric fashion hair accessory. Any suitable fabric can be used for this product, i.e. Cotton, terry cloth, leather, ECT. The fabric of choice is sewn together to cover the top, sides, and back of the head. On each side of the hood/cap portion of the product there is a strap cut from the same fabric, used to hold the product on the head. The straps are tied behind the head close to the nap of the wearers head. The back of the product is long enough to hold the hair/braids in a sewn in pocket/passageway. The pocket/passageway has snaps on the outer bottom which can fold up and snap into the inside of the pocket/passageway giving the wearer the option of either containing the hair/braids or allowing the hair/braids to flow through the pocket/passageway.

This product is made by cutting six pieces of fabric. As shown in FIG. 1, two pieces of No. 15, fabric are laid on top of one another FIG. 4, and sewn along the patterned line FIG. 5. The fabric is trimmed close to the sewn line. After the fabric is properly trimmed, the fabric is turned inside out so that the seam is on the inside of what is now forming the hood/ cap FIG. 6-1 and bottom back FIG. 6-5 portion of the product. Next, the hooded/cap portion is folded FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 so that the hood/cap ties No. 3 and No. 4 can be sewn as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the cut and trim lines that make up the hood/cap ties. No. 3 and No. 4. Then the hood/cap ties No. 3 and No. 4 are turned inside out as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, giving them a finished look and providing a pleated look on the hood/cap. FIG. 13 shows the inside look of the product before the pocket/passageway No. 7 is sewn on. FIG. 14 shows the finished look of the product before the middle straps No. 12 and No. 13 and bottom straps No. 14 and No. 15 are sewn in. FIG. 16 shown the piece of fabric used for the pocket/passageway No.7, and FIG. 15 shows the placement of the pocket/passageway on the back of the product and marked with XXX's you will see the sew line. FIG. 17 shows the fabric No. 17, used to make the middle and bottom straps. Two pieces of No. 17 fabric is needed for each strap. As shown in FIG. 18, two pieces of No. 17 fabric are laid on top of each other and as shown in FIG. 19, marked with XXX's the sew line is followed, the excess fabric is then trimmed off and the strap is pulled inside out giving the strap a finished look. FIG. 20 shows the strap No. 11 and No. 12 , finished with snaps used to secure the strap once the product is on the wearer head. FIG. 21 shown the product from a side view, where the opening No.18 and No. 19, to insert the middle No. 11, and bottom straps No. 12, is cut through the fabric of both sides No. 5 and No.6. FIG. 22 shows the back view of the product once the middle and bottom straps are pulled through the openings. No. 18 and No. 19. FIG. 23 shows the inside view of the product once the pocket/passage way No. 7, has been sewn on and the product is trimmed and seamed accordingly. FIG. 24 shows the inside front view of the completed product. FIG. 25 shows the side view of the finished product and FIG. 26 shows the back view of the finished product.

We are filing this patent application to patent the method of the application of our invention/product that was just described. As you will see in FIG. 27 the first step of this method is to put your hand through the bottom opening No. 9, of the invention/product, and grab the hair or braids of the wearer of this head covering. In FIG. 28 you will see how next as the hair is being pulled through the pocket/passageway No. 7, that with the other hand the wearer grabs the hooded/cap portion No. 1 and no. 2, and pulls the hooded/cap portion No. 1 and No.2 up towards the top of the head. FIG. 29 shows that now the wearer of this head covering positions the hooded/cap portion No. 1 and No. 2 on top of the head. At this point the pocket/passageway No. 7 is surrounding the hair/braids. FIG. 30 shows the side view at that point. The wearer then takes the hood/cap ties, No 3 and No. 4, and ties them behind the head, at the nap of the neck, securing the invention/product on the wearers head. Next they snap the middle strap No. 10 and No. 11, securing the hair/braids, and then they snap the bottom strap No. 12 and No.13 also securing the hair/braids.

After creating this invention/product, it has gone through many adjustments and changes. I have made prototypes for every step of the process and have finally been able to say that it is complete. After testing the invention/product I have come to realize that the method of application of this invention/product is unique as well. There is no other product that can be applied this way. In my patent search I have found many head coverings that can not use this method of application as they are not constructed in the way mine is and can not use this method. This method can only be used in conjunction with a invention/product such as Locks Down.

Thus, I am seeking a patent on the method of application of my invention as well as a utility patent on the invention itself.

The following 18 pages (page 8-page 25) are the figures used to describe this invention, Locks Down, the way it is made and it's method of application.

FIGS. 1-3, shown on page 8 show the pieces of material needed to make this invention. FIGS. 4-6, shown on page 9 show the first step in putting the pieces of material together and the sew line needed to make the hooded portion. FIGS. 7-8, show the next step, sewing the hooded portions straps. Both sides of the invention are shown in these figures. FIGS. 9-10, shown on page 11 indicate where to cut the sewn straps. Both sides of the invention are shown. FIGS. 11-12, shown on page 12 show that once the straps are trimmed, they are then turned inside out giving them a finished look. Both sides of the invention are shown. FIGS. 13-14, shown on page 13 show the invention at this point of production laid flat front, FIG. 13, and back FIG. 14. FIG. 15, shown on page 14 shows the next step of production, sewing the piece of material, FIG. 16, also shown on page 14, onto the back of the invention, creating the pocket. FIGS. 17-20, shown on page 15 show the pieces of material needed to make the middle and bottom straps, and how to sew them together, pull them inside out and where to put the snaps used to secure them. Two straps are needed for each product (invention). FIG. 21, shown on page 16 shows the side view of the invention and where the cuts are made to insert the middle and bottom straps. FIG. 22, also shown on page 16 shows the back view of the invention after the middle and bottom straps are inserted, they will then be sew in to secure them. FIG. 23, shown on page 17, shows the front view of the invention and where to put the snaps used to close the bottom pocket if desired. FIG. 24, shown on page 18 shows the finished invention from the front view. FIG. 25, shown on page 19 is the side view of the finished invention. FIG. 26, shown on page 20 is the back view of the finished invention. FIG. 27, shown on page 21 shows the method of application of the invention. Putting your hand through the product (invention) and grabbing the hair. FIG. 28, shown on page 22 shows the next step in the application of the invention. Pulling the hair through the pocket, then pulling the hooded portion up towards the top of the head. FIG. 29, shown on page 23 shows the next step in the application of the invention, positioning the hooded portion on top of the head. FIG. 30, shown on page 24 shows the side view of the invention in the next step of the application process of the invention, and you can see the straps on the hooded portion, to be tied behind the head, and the middle and bottom straps to be snapped. FIG. 31, shown on page 25 shows the back view of the invention being worn and what it will look like after applied.

-   1. Left side hooded/cap portion. -   2. Right side hooded/cap portion. -   3. Left side tie. -   4. Right side tie. -   5. Left back bottom. -   6. Right back bottom. -   7. Pocket/passageway. -   8. Top opening. -   9. Bottom opening. -   10. Left middle strap. -   11. Right middle strap. -   12. Left bottom strap. -   13. Right bottom strap. -   14. Inside hood/cap. -   15. Outer fabric. -   16. Pocket/passageway fabric. -   17. Middle and bottom strap fabric. -   18. Opening for middle strap. -   19. Opening for bottom strap. 

1. A method of application of a head covering comprising the following steps. a. Head covering has an opening at the bottom whereas:
 1. Hand is put through.
 2. Hair is grabbed.
 3. Hair is pulled through the opening.
 4. Hair remains undisturbed as head covering is applied b. Head covering has a vertical back portion whereas:
 1. Pulled upward to encase hair.
 2. Provides uniformed fashion style.
 3. Keeps hair from being disturbed.
 4. Keeps elements of the environment out of hair.
 5. Keeps hair in place. c. Head covering has a hemispheric top portion whereas:
 1. Positioned on top of head.
 2. Covers the top of wearers head.
 3. Covers the sides of wearers head.
 4. Covers the back of wearers head.
 5. Ties are provided to secure product on wearers head.
 6. Providing a fashion style. d. Head covering has straps located on back portion whereas:
 1. Secured with snaps keeping product on hair.
 2. Providing fashion style.
 2. A head covering comprising of the following. a. Top hemispheric portion
 1. Covers top of wearers head.
 2. Covers sides of wearers head.
 3. Covers back of wearers head.
 4. Provides a fashion style. b. Ties positioned on either side of top portion whereas.
 1. used to secure product on top of head. c. Bottom vertical back portion whereas:
 1. Pulled upward to encase hair.
 2. Provides uniformed fashion style.
 3. Keeps hair from being disturbed.
 4. Keeps elements of the environment out of hair.
 5. Keeps hair in place. d. Straps on middle and bottom of vertical back portion whereas:
 1. Secure back portion around hair.
 2. provide a fashion style.
 3. A head covering with different uses to go with different fabrics used. a. Cotton prints
 1. Containing hair keeping wearers hair style undisrupted.
 2. Fashion style.
 3. Compliment wardrobe with coordinated print or color.
 4. Keeping elements of the environment out of wearers hair. b. Terry cloth
 1. Drying wearers hair after washing.
 2. Drying wearers hair after swimming.
 3. Containing wearers hair after hair treatment. c. Leather
 1. Containing hair in safe manner while riding motorcycle.
 2. Fashion style. d. Latex
 1. Containing wearers hair to prevent it from getting wet while showering or bathing.
 2. Containing wearers hair preventing it from getting wet while swimming. 